Old school bodybuilders where forced to look for extreme techniques to pump themselves up. In the movie “pumping Iron” you see how these icons pumped their muscles to the max. Their arteries thick, and bloodfilled almost bursting through their skin. Others like Larry Scott used an other princeple he called “Burns”  … Before old school bodybuilders stepped on stage to be judged, Arnold reveiled he used some alcohol to look bigger and not that flat with the arteries more swollen. On certain steroids like Trenbolone and Deca Durabolin they suffered  a limp dick and very often the same happened after a cycle (PCT) With VCL this is past history.

Bodybuilders always looking for a short-cut, started to use Viagra for its vasolidating affect, creating an incredible pump. Slowly some information on this usage came to notice of the general public. By example Hidetada Yamagishi was arrested also having some NO boosters Viagra and Cialis with his stash. BALCO’s Victor Conte  confessed: "All my athletes took it. It is bigger than creatine."

The Bodybuilding supplement Industry launched their own NO boosters, like "NO Explode," "Nytric EFX" and "Satur8" - advertised as preworkout vasodilators. Many experts doubt their effect.

John Romano senior editor at bodybuilding magazine Muscular Development to Daily news: “Many athletes take Viagra with anabolic steroids before a workout, hoping Viagra's ability to dilate blood vessels will help deliver the anabolics to their various muscle groups.”

"The object of nutrient delivery is to get as much of it in the muscles ahead of time as possible," said Romano, who said he used Viagra for that reason.

"You want to fortify the blood with whatever you're going to pump in there. Viagra is tailor-made for that because you're slamming in all kinds of amino acids and whatever else, then expanding the muscles and pumping it in there."

Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) was made by Pfizer in 1998.  Cialis (Tadalafil) was made by Eli Lilly in 2003, and third drug called Levitra - a pharmaceutical industry partnership between Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline was launched that same year.

The market for Cialis is huge - following the runaway success of Viagra. An estimated 30 million men in the US and 175 million worldwide suffer from erectile dysfunction, and only a fraction are currently using Viagra. The current Viagra market of around $1.5bn a year could rise to total impotence drug sales of around $6bn over the next eight years, split between Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and other second-generation treatments.

As with Viagra, Cialis is likely to be used as a performance enhancer, rather than just as treatment for an ailment. All these impotence drugs block an enzyme called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5), which relaxes smooth some kinds of muscle cells and allows increased blood flow into the penis.

Cialis has key advantages over Viagra and could develop blockbuster status. Cialis is available on prescription , but the generic tablets from China and Underground Labs are also readily available.

Cialis can last for two days Cialis starts working faster than Viagra, sometimes in 16 minutes, and lasts 24 hours or more.In contrast, Viagra usually works for only four hours after an hour's delay. Unlike Viagra, Cialis does not interact with with food or alcohol - Viagra is best taken on an empty stomach.

As with Viagra, 80% of men with erectile function are able to achieve an erection with Cialis use and three out of four are able to achieve sexual intercourse. But in one Cialis study, 59% of previously impotent men were still able to have sex 36 hours after taking it. This makes it ideal as it really gets the penis back in shape by increasing early morning erection count, confidence and sexual activity for extended periods of time. In France, it has been dubbed “The Weekend pill”.

The reason is that the body takes four times as long to get rid of Cialis than to eliminate Viagra. The half-life of Viagra (time for blood levels to fall 50%) is 4 hours compared to 17 hours for Cialis. That means 25% of a Cialis dose is still present in the body after 35 hours, and 12.5% after more than 50 hours. It also means that Cialis will accumulate in the body if taken regularly.

Loss of effect

Two years after 82 men were using Viagra, in 28 men the pill had lost effect. Sixteen of them needed a higher dose, and in 27 men it continued to work..The researchers concluded that the drug begins to lose its efficacy after a few months already. They also discovered that six men no longer needed the drug, and that two men stopped using it because of side effects. According to a U.S. study published in the Journal of Urology of september 2001.

Cialis can build up in the body

Someone using one Cialis tablet every two days will find Cialis levels go on rising to reach a steady state after about a week. On day 2, when taking a second tablet around 20% of the original tablet is still in the blood stream. On day 4, 22% of a single dose will still remain. On day 6 around 24% and so on. So someone who finds a single dose still has an effect after 36 hours could in theory find that a tablet every other day enables them to have sex whenever they wish without fear of failure - assuming reasonable intervals before doing so.

Of course, other factors are important such as the possibility of more continuous or more serious side effects - after a single dose 14% experience headaches and 9% heartburn.Taking Cialis in such a way should not be considered by anywone under any circumstances without close medical supervision and advice.

Viagra as a performance enhancer has hit the news with the world anti doping agency in charge of the olympics thinking of banning it. There is reports that even Roger Clemens used it for performance enhancement and that Balco Founder advocated it for all of his athletes. The idea of Viagra being helpful for bodybuilders in muscle building or strength may sound silly, but there is probably some truth to it. Viagra and Cialis increase nitric oxide in the blood, increasing blood to not only erections, but also to your muscles.

Nitric oxide also increases post workout, so it is thought that nitric oxide plays a crucial role in muscle gains. That is why no2 supplements are so popular because they are thought to increase nitric oxide in the blood. However, I believe no2 supplements are a huge scam because they don’t actually raise nitric oxide in the blood.

Some possible benefits of nitric oxide in the blood stream from viagra due to the increased blood flow to the muscles, in theory should be better muscle gains, increased muscle vascularity, and a boost in endurance in strength. Although there is no studies yet on muscle hypertrophy or strength, there have been a couple studies on endurance athletes using viagra and it showed improvements in their times.

Going beyond masking blood doping, there are experts that believe Viagra might have some positive performance enhancing effect when taken in combination with steroids too.  Researchers started looking into this relationship when former Major League Baseball star and top Viagra spokesman Rafael Palmiero admitted to taking steroids.  What was supposedly uncovered was that Viagra can aid the delivery of steroids to the muscles and help athletes recover from workouts much faster. 

Risky combinations

Cialis is a  medicine for erectile dysfunction. It causes a dilation of blood vessels and thereby a lowering of the blood pressure. Some people use Viagra with poppers. A combination of hazardous, since it may lead to extremely low blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, and even death. Another familiar combination Ecstasy and Viagra, also known under the name Sextasy. This combination is very popular because EP’s counters temporary impotence (caused by XTC). Also, both of these substances affect each other's degradation in the liver. This may result in dangerously high concentrations of both XTC and EP’s in the blood. In addition, one runs a higher risk for STDs, because you’re more inclined to have unsafe sex.

Both Viagra and alcohol can have similar effects on blood vessels, causing them to dilate (open wider). However, studies did not show such problems in men who combined the two to achieve a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent (legally intoxicated).

Although studies indicate that combining alcohol with Viagra is unlikely to cause problems, it is a good idea to be aware of problems that could theoretically occur due to overly dilated blood vessels, such as Dizziness, a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) and low blood pressure

Methamphetamine (meth) use has been shown in the literature to be associated with high-risk sexual behavior for both homosexual (MSM) and heterosexual samples for over a decade. The use of Viagra has also been shown to be associated with high-risk sexual behavior (Fisher et all 2010)

Viagra and agression

Some studies showed that Viagra is able to cross the blood-brain barrier Additionally, it effects  NO and cGMP in the brains, which are important  parts of the brains that regulate aggression and sexuality. It would therefore theoretically be possible that Viagra can cause violence.

In a controversial research review, toxicologist Harold Milman and S. B. Arnold recently raised the possibility that the drug Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction, may contribute to violent behavior.

Milman and Arnold uncovered 274 reports of mental side effects linked to Viagra (sildenafil), including amnesia, aggression, and disorientation. In addition, they note that the drug has been suggested as a contributing factor in 22 cases involving aggression, 13 involving rape, and 6 involving murder.

Milman notes, "Published studies [report] that sildenafil crosses the blood-brain barrier, that it exerts various biochemical and physiologic effects in the brain, and that it affects information processing." He acknowledges that his data on behavioral side effects is anecdotal, but says, "It's clear that these men are behaving abnormally."

He concludes, "It is recommended that before prescribing sildenafil for erectile dysfunction, clinicians should caution their patients and their partners on the possibility of neurologic, emotional, or psychological disturbances; amnesia or loss of consciousness; or aggressive behavior."

The study's conclusions are challenged by several scientists, including Kevin McKenna who says studies of rodents suggest that Viagra would be likely to reduce aggression rather than increasing it.

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra Drugs May Promote Sexual Pleasure

In Addition to Improvement of Sexual Performance

According to a recent study, published at the Journal of Physiology, Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra) and tadalafil (Cialis) erectile dysfunction drugs may enhance sexual pleasure in addition to their well-known effect on sexual performance.

Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), and Cialis (tadafil) treat erectile function by enhancing blood flow to the penis. They are classified as sexual stimulants, not aphrodisiacs, in that they improve sexual function but are not known to affect arousal.

However, the researchers indicated that these erectile dysfunction drugs play a key role (indirectly) in regulating release of oxytocin. This may be a key in understanding additional effects that these drugs may have on patient users.

Although the study was made on rats, results seem to show that sildenafil (Viagra) and its analogues seem to stimulate the release of oxytocin. This hormone is released by the neurohypophysis, or posterior pituitary, during orgasm.

Co-administration of low doses of intranasal PT-141, a melanocortin receptor agonist, and sildenafil to men with erectile dysfunction results in an enhanced erectile response, Diamond et all 2005

To evaluate the safety and pharmacodynamic effect of co-administration of subtherapeutic doses of PT-141, a cyclic heptapeptide melanocortin analogue, and sildenafil to patients with erectile dysfunction. METHODS: Nineteen patients with erectile dysfunction who were responders to either Viagra or Levitra by self-report were given 25 mg sildenafil and 7.5 mg intranasal PT-141, 25 mg sildenafil and an intranasal placebo spray, and a placebo tablet and an intranasal placebo spray in a randomized cross-over design. Erectile activity in response to two 30-minute episodes of visual sexual stimulation was assessed by RigiScan during a 6-hour postdose period. RESULTS: The erectile response induced by co-administration of PT-141 and sildenafil was significantly greater than the response elicited by administration of sildenafil alone. Co-administration of PT-141 and sildenafil was safe and well-tolerated and did not result in new adverse events or adverse events that were increased in frequency or severity compared with monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Co-administration of intranasal PT-141 and a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor may constitute a treatment alternative for patients in whom higher doses of a single therapy are not effective or well tolerated.

After reading this study my friend and I started to experiment with combining PT 141 and Cialis we also tried to work with the cuddle hormone aka binding hormone Oxytocin. Cialis works wonders but addition of PT 141 has no extra effect. PT 141 is the strongest available sexual performance enhancer but has to be injected sub-q to be active. And thats why this great drug was never marketed. From expirience it works in both male and female.

Cialis for women?

As with Viagra, many will be watching to see if Cialis has a roled to play in enhancing sexual function in women. In the majority of cases they are likely to be disppointed since the female sexual response is complex: there is far more to a fulfilling, satisfying and exciting sex life than mere pharmacology, and this is also important in the majority of men.

Erection agents have anti-estrogenic effect .

  Researchers from the University of Roma "La Sapienza" have discovered that tadalafil also inhibits the enzyme aromatase. That's the enzyme that converts testosterone into estradiol.

The effect on the estradiol was statistically significant. But it only occurred at men with excess body fat. Among men with a BMI of 27 or more, the researchers could not discover any affect on the estradiol level. Probably these men have aromatase in their fat reserves that takes no notice of tadalafil, and continues to convert testosterone to estradiol.

The researchers are cautious, but also excited about their discovery: "Any presumable effect of PDE5 on aromatase activity should be further confirmed with both in vitro and in vivo studies because it may open a new research avenue, for example, atherosclerosis, prostate disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis",

It was already known that men who use sildenafil or tadalafil produce  more endogenous (natural) testosterone. Italian researchers published one in 2004 in Clinical Endocrinology.

The article describes a study of seventy impotent men, that swallow three months long 50 mg Viagra or 20 mg Cialis. Their hormone levels were normal, although their free testosterone was on the low side. The five men swallowed five pills per month. The drugs where successful, and the men regained a normal sex life. After three months the level of total testosterone and free testosterone in their blood, which increased. The concentration of LH was reduced.

The men had sexual intercourse with an average of five to seven times a month. Most probably the sexual intercourse caused the  increase of the  testosterone levels. Sexual arousal increases testosterone levels.

It seems that VCL in fact would be usefull as an HRT drug.

A pump when you need it - Brian Haycock: There are several reasons why the pump you get back stage is far from dramatic. Getting a good pump depends in large part on lactate (A.K.A. lactic acid) formation by the working muscles (Chen,1996). As your muscles are forced to work anaerobicly, lactic acid is formed triggering a series of signals that dilate blood vessels leading to the muscle. A muscle adapted to caloric restriction shifts its preferred fuel from carbs to fatty acids and ketones, neither of which generates lactate when used for fuel. So while training on a low calorie and especially a low carb diet, lactate induced muscle blood flow is reduced compared to normal well-fed conditions. On the day of the show you want to look lean but with full muscle bellies. The only way to do this is to be in a state of good hydration, loaded with glycogen, have restored muscle triglyceride levels, and have a decent pump when you step on stage for the morning prejudging. Hydration, glycogen and muscle triglycerides will have to wait for another time, but getting a pump just got a little easier. Because NO triggers vasodilation in skeletal muscle vasculature, Viagra will increase the ability to get and maintain muscle pump by inhibiting PDE-5 production.

One final suggestion - Now I know some of you will try this and say, "Ya, that worked pretty well, but how can I make it work better?" To do this right you should drink (on an empty stomach) between 6-8 oz electrolyte replacement drink with 2-3 grams L-arginine about 15 minutes before you pump up. The sodium in the drink will allow the fluid to remain in the blood stream longer. The sugar will increase insulin, which also enhances vasodilation to skeletal muscle. Finally, L-arginine is a precursor to NO and has been shown to increase NO mediated vasodilation. I’ll tell you again that you should try this before hand so that you know what to expect.

 Long Term Cialis Use

Cialis (tadalafil) is powerful.. What makes Cialis unique among the erectile dysfunction drugs is its long half life. Thirty six hours after taking Cialis, a guy will still have about a quarter of what he took circulating in his blood stream. This means that guys can take this every other day and get themselves back in bad almost full time.  Plus, many guys like the fact that they don't have to anticipate their love-making sessions - who can predict a woman, eh?

NOTE:  Cialis has recently come out with a Cialis Daily lower dose version that can keep a guy in the game 24/7.  Eli Lilly's info page is here.

However, it turns out the benefits of long term, steady use of Cialis extend way beyond just simple bedroom convenience.)  Let's go over some of the big reasons regular Cialis usage is quite tempting upon first examination:

1.  Blood Flow Increases.  Duh!  Cialis increases blood flow - that's what erections are all about, eh? - but this can have important health benefits throughout the body as lack of circulation can effect many tissues including those in the brain.  One four-week study of  males (average age of 54) found that Cialis use induced profound and highly desireable cardiovascular and endothelial changes, including increases in the all-important FMD (Flow Mediated Dilation).

2.  Inflammation Reduction.  Researchers also noted a "robust", i.e. very significant drop in both C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule (VCAM) counts.  This is important because plaque buildup in the arteries is largely due to an inflammatory process where  leukocytes (white blood cells) adhere to and "attack" arterial walls.

Cialis attacks this plaque-building process in several ways, lowering both CRP, the systemic (body-wide) inflammation marker that is so intimately correlated with arterioscloerosis, and VCAM, which is a protein that helps white blood cells adhere to arterial walls and causes plaque buildup.  In other words, Cialis usage seems to directly improve two important markers of cardiovascular disease. So users may get both short term benefits in the bedroom and long term health results to go with it, although that has not been proven. 

3.  Testeosterone and the T/E Ratio.  Don't forget that long term Cialis use has been shown to significantly improve the all-important testosterone to estrogen ratio by an average of 24%.  A one year study of males with an average age of 54 showed an increase in testosterone of 5.5% and a decrease in estrogen of 15%. [2] These are significant numbers and show the power of getting "back in the sack".  Remember that the 24% increase means you have significantly more testosterone molecules floating around versus estrogen, almost always a good thing for us guys.

4. High Blood Pressure and Hypertension.  Cialis has also been shown to lower high blood pressure.  Although it does not dramatically lower blood pressure, it will help most guys struggling with hypertension. [6,7,8]

5. Improved Relationships.  One study found that, for guys with erectile dysfunction, a significant percentage had improved partner relationships after taking Cialis, suggesting, of course, that sex really does matter. [9]

6. The Benefits of Sex.  There are many benefits on making love.  Cialis likely increases many, if not all, of these benefits.  By the way, Viagra has many studies showing that it decreases the refractory period.  This is the time post-ejaculation that it takes for guys to recover before they can become erect. Cialis likely has this same benefit.

7.  Antidepressant Action.  In some Cialis may actually act as an antidepressant.

So then Cialis is a no-brainer, right?  Well, not so fast. All the PDE5 inhibitors have numerous side effects including possible changes of one's hearing, vision and GI tissues.Cialis acn have some side- effects including possible changes of one's hearing, vision and GI tissues. So is there a more natural solution that might have the same benefits? Well, exercise increases Nitric Oxide, just like Cialis. [3] Exercise lowers C-Reactive Protein long term (probably primarily due to weight loss). [4] Weight loss strongly lowers C-Reactive protein in numerous studies. [5] And weight loss, an other side-effect that Cialis effects the Testosterone to Estrogen ratio, it raises testosterone while lowering estrogen significantly. (Weight training also appears to directly raise testosterone long term as well.)

In other words, one could make a strong argument that Cialis is simply a potentially dangerous substitute for exercise and weight loss. A more moderate position would be that Cialis should be used as a short term substitute until you get an exercise and weight loss program sufficiently far along.

REFERENCES:

1) International Journal of Impotence Research, 2007, 19:200–207, "Relationship between chronic tadalafil administration and improvement of endothelial function in men with erectile dysfunction: a pilot study"

2) The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Jul 2006, 3(4):716-722, "Testosterone:Estradiol Ratio Changes Associated with Long-Term Tadalafil Administration: A Pilot Study" 3) Journal of the American College of Cardiology, Dec 1996, 28(7):1652-1660, "Cardiovascular Effects of Exercise: Role of Endothelial Shear Stress"

4) J Am Coll Cardiol, 2004, 44:2411-2413, "Effect of six months' exercise training on C-reactive protein levels in healthy elderly subjects"

5)  Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2004, 24:1868, "Can Exercise Training With Weight Loss Lower Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels?"

6) Eur Heart J Suppl, 2002, 4(suppl H):H32-H47, "Overview of the cardiovascular effects of tadalafil"

7) Circulation, 2009, 119:2894-2903, "Tadalafil Therapy for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension"

8) //www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/CHEST/11524

9) International Society for Sexual Medicine, Dec 2009, 6(12):3458-3468, "Effects of 12-Month Tadalafil Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction on Couple Relationships: Results from the DETECT Study"

Various sources 2012

This article is still under construction!!!